Liverpool Road Station, the world’s oldest surviving train station, stands as a tribute to the birth of the railway era in Manchester. Designed by George Stephenson and inaugurated on September 15, 1830, it signifies the beginning of modern rail transport, which would transform travel and trade.
The station was an integral part of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&MR), the first inter-city line to exclusively use steam power, offer scheduled passenger services, and transport both goods and passengers. The grand opening ceremony was a major public event and attended by big names, including then-Prime Minister Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. The L&MR set new standards for railway construction and operation, influencing subsequent railway developments across the globe.
It was along this track that the renowned steam train the Rocket, designed by George and Robert Stephenson, travelled.
The architecture of Liverpool Road Station offers an insight into railway travel at the time, with its preserved two platforms and original featuers.
Its design used the cutting-edge engineering of the era, incorporating elements that would later become commonplace in train stations worldwide.
The station closed to passenger services on May 4, 1844, when the line was extended to join the Manchester and Leeds Railway at Hunt’s Bank.
Liverpool Road was superseded by Manchester Victoria station for passenger services and the station was converted to a goods yard.
Since Liverpool Road ceased operation, the oldest railway station in use is Broad Green railway station in Liverpool, which opened on September 15 1830.
Today, the Grade I listed building is incorporated into Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum, with exhibitions on railway history and industrial innovation.